Measles scare linked to Trader Joe's in Framingham

Monday

Feb 24, 2014 at 6:29 PMFeb 25, 2014 at 2:46 PM

By Danielle AmedenDaily News staff

FRAMINGHAM - Public health officials Monday confirmed two cases of measles in MetroWest, including one in Framingham.People who visited Trader Joe's on Rte. 9 on Feb. 15 and 16 may have been exposed to the very contagious disease, Framingham officials said in an alert Monday.Public Health Director Steven Ward said people, especially pregnant women, should be aware of the case but not panic."There should be no cause for alarm," he said.Ward said most people are protected against the disease, which can cause ear infections, pneumonia and swelling of the brain.People born in the U.S. after 1957 and don't have documentation of having two doses of vaccination against measles must receive a dose of vaccine as soon as possible, according to the alert, posted at Trader Joe's and on the town's website.People born in the U.S. before 1957 are likely immune to measles, the alert reads.A manager at Trader Joe's in Framingham referred a reporter to a company spokesperson. A returned call was not received by presstime.Measles looks and feels like a cold at first, with a cough, high fever, runny nose and red, watery eyes common. The symptoms start about 10 days after infection and are followed by a red blotchy rash that appears on the face first and then spreads.The state Department of Public Health said it is working with local public health officials to identify people who may be at risk for getting ill and who may spread the disease, urging them to call their doctor's office.DPH said it has two confirmed cases of measles in MetroWest in the past week. It did not provide additional information about the cases or say where the public may have been exposed.People with measles may be contagious up to four days before the rash appears and for four days afterward, DPH said.People who have had measles in the past or who have been vaccinated against measles per CDC recommendations are considered immune, the state said.The CDC recommendations are:Children should receive their first dose of Measles-Mumps-Rubella (MMR) vaccine at 12-15 months. School-aged children need two doses of MMR vaccine.Adults should have at least one dose of MMR vaccine. Certain groups at high risk need two doses of MMR, such as international travelers, health care workers, and college students. Adults born in the U.S. before 1957 are considered to be immune to measles from past exposures, but in situations of exposure to measles may benefit from a dose of MMR vaccine to be safer.